The House of Jacob: The Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and Giveaway of Knowing Obadiah

About the Book

Book Review

As someone who has grown up in the church, it is almost embarrassing to say that I know very little of the minor prophets. I know they’re there, that they have a purpose, that they are “mouthpieces of God”, but after that, I know nothing. What are they prophesying and who do they prophesy to? No idea. Most of them, if I’d have to guess, would be are prophesying to Israel about their sin and judgement…anyways, so when I saw this study, I was intrigued. I had absolutely no idea about what Obadiah was about. Honestly, I had even forgotten that Obadiah existed. Or was even a name.

Ok, but after reading this book, there is absolutely no excuse for me not to dive into the minor prophets. Obadiah is an incredibly short book–only 21 verses–but packed full with so much information and history, and it even includes prophecies that have not yet come to pass to this day. And, of course, it points to the coming of Jesus Christ.

And, even though I grew up in the church, I had no idea just how linked together the Bible was. Gardener takes us through Obadiah, yes, but the context behind Obadiah is found in Genesis with Esau and Jacob. And if that’s not enough, we find references of similar prophecies in Jeremiah and even Amos. Isn’t that so cool just how connected the Bible actually is?

Gardner pours so much research and insight into this study, including referencing archaeological digs and finds that backs up the prophecies found in Obadiah.

This study is easy to read but boy does it pack a punch. So much information, so much history, so much of God’s glory revealed in just 21 verses of the Bible. It’s crazy and fascinating all at the same time. I will 100% be wanting to get the companion study to Knowing Obadiah, called But in Mount Zion, as a way to look even deeper into this often overlooked book of the Bible.

Anyways, I would highly recommend this book, especially if you’re like me and have no idea what in the world Obadiah could even possibly be about.

I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

About the Author

More from April

–Hello, friend! So, I’ve written this Bible commentary for women on the book of Obadiah. You know the one, right? The little one? Like, really little. So little if you blink while flipping pages, you’ll miss it. But don’t let its size fool you. It packs a serious punch. Interested? It covers—

–Wait. April, did you say commentary?

–Sure did.

–For women?

–Yep.

–Oh, uh… Thanks. Sounds great, but I’m not in ministry.

-Hey, me neither! I grew up in church and on the mission field. There was Bible college in there before I got my Mrs. degree, but as you see, I’m just the next girl on the church pew. One who has a curious mind, a love of learning, and a long-standing devotion to Christ.

Because of that, I approached writing Knowing Obadiah from the seat beside yours at home, as if we had our Bibles open on our laps, coffee mugs in hand, and were chatting about the things we’re discovering while we read.

Before we’re done reading, you’ll understand how and why Edom is the object of God’s wrath. You’ll see how Obadiah, like every other biblical prophecy, contains a message of warning, judgment, and hope, and how (unlike the rest of the prophets) the first two (warning and judgment) are for a pagan nation while the last (hope) is for Judah.

The most minor of minor prophets is absolutely packed with treasure waiting to be unburied. Toss in its background and its implications for the future, and you’ve got yourself a fascinating study.

Speaking of study, Knowing Obadiah doesn’t have any set topic related to theology or spiritual growth. Instead, I take an approach that digs for original meaning, versus applying modern interpretation. This commentary will force you out of your comfy chair and into Obadiah’s history and culture. As best we can, we’ll be taking on the author’s perspective of the world, looking at the text’s setting and purpose (and so much more!) through his lens.

What say you? Are you in? Let’s do this, girl.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Inspired by Fiction, May 23

Godly Book Reviews, May 24

Mary Hake, May 24

Vicky Sluiter, May 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 28

Girls in White Dresses, May 29

Lots of Helpers, May 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 30

Cover Lover Book Review, May 31

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 2

Lights in a Dark World, June 3

Lily’s Corner, June 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, April is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card and a paperback set of the A Fire and a Flame series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Giveaway